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Business & Tech

Travelers Rest: Landmark of Hospitality

This roadhouse has been serving loyal fans since 1876.

Anyone who has been to a local political fundraiser, a mitzvah, wedding or celebratory event of any kind may well have visited the special rooms of Travelers Rest.  The success of this landmark facility may sometimes have people forget that, besides its status as a first-rate catering operation, it is an a la carte restaurant of exceptional character and heritage.

Located on Route 100, in between Seven Bridges Road and Route 121, Travelers Rest welcomes visitors hospitably as it has done since 1876 as a stage coach stop along what was in the 19th century a major thoroughfare.

Today the business is owned by David Paganelli, who has endeared himself and his restaurant to legions of people involved in local charities, corporations, non-profit institutions, social organizations and political groups.

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As is the tradition with restaurants of the golden age of service, Travelers Rest distinguishes itself for its care of the customer even before menus are opened and considered.  This is a trademark of the operation that emanates from Paganelli's own personality, gregarious and solicitous at the same time.  His relationship to the restaurant is one of growing up with the facility and its patrons, having started there more than a quarter century ago as a waiter, and advancing to manager and now proprietor.

A trip to Travelers is enhanced by the extraordinary horticultural extravaganza decorating its back acres, a terraced display of evergreen, annual and perennial plantings and water features that take your breath away, not just for its one-of-a kind beauty but for the work that must go into its maintenance.  The garden requires equals attention in the winter when it transforms into a display of countless lights.

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The a la carte restaurant facing the gardens is handsomely appointed with paneling, an oversized stone fireplace and comfortable chairs.

This writer has never once been to Travelers Rest without an acknowledgement and warm handshake from Panganelli himself who, even at the most boisterous holiday party, manages to walk through the room unobtrusively to check out the event and connect with every guest he knows. Truly it's like being greeted by the innkeeper in days past.

But, let it not be said that Travelers is frozen in the past. While maintaining its original specialties from the 1800s like Hungarian Beef Goulash with homemade spaetzle, Sauerbraten served with red cabbage and dumpling, and Wiener Schnitzel which is sautéed breaded veal cutlet, the menu offerings stay timeless with fresh seafood selections, beef, veal and poultry dishes.

The menu would be now be described as American with a German overlay, and it is extensive. Among 17 appetizers, the ones that caught our attention for explanation from a waiter were Ochsenmaul Salat and Homemade Suelze, but there are other selections that don't require translation, such as Smoked Trout, Baked Stuffed Clams, Escargots Bourguignon, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. Prices range from a simple melon in season at $5.50 to Giant Lump Crabcakes for $14.95. 

Two soups are offered, one the standard Onion Soup au Gratinee and a daily special. On the evening we were there, the special was sweet potato/carrot soup which my wife and I shared and found subtly flavored.

Rather than an appetizer, my wife chose the Patricia Salad for $8.95 which is her favorite combination of ingredients: mesclun greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette.

Chicken, beef and veal dishes range from $23.95 for a Chicken Cordon Bleu to $34.95 for Beef Wellington. (Where else in the area can you find this indulgent dish of filet mignon, duxelle, and puff pastry?)

Fresh seafood dishes range from Norwegian Salmon for $24.95 to Twin Lobster Tails or Surf and Turf at "market prices."  My wife ordered the Jumbo Shrimp with baked potato and snap peas and I ordered my favorite protein whenever I find it on a menu – lamb,  specifically Baked Rack of Lamp served with mint jelly and an order of spaetzle. Both dishes were prepared simply and cooked perfectly.

For dessert, we have always enjoyed the two specialties:  homemade rice pudding (who could resist?) and flaky Apple Strudel.

All through the meal, our waiter Greg impressed us as a perfectly trained service person with just the right tone of accessibility without being intrusive. Truly, he greatly enhanced the overall dining experience.

The a la carte menu doesn't allow a cheap date, but does guarantee one can become totally sated, visually and gastronomically.  In response to the economy, Travelers Rest now offers a four-course dinner special on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday for $29,95. It includes a choice of appetizer or soup, tossed salad, entrée, dessert and coffee or tea.

For information, visit www.thetravelersrest.com; for reservations, call 914-941-7744. 

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